Jobs hopes at new ‘gateway’ building

The proposed site for a new McDonalds drive-through and business units at the corner of Rutland Street and Belfield Street, Ilkeston.

Published:08:00Friday 16 November 2012

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Plans have been submitted to build a brand new ‘gateway’ building into Ilkeston, containing its second drive-through fast food restaurant.

McDonald’s, which already has a restaurant in the Albion Centre, Bath Street, is set to open up a new branch on derelict land in Rutland Street – right next door to rival KFC.

But developers say this is no ordinary drive-through – the new restaurant, providing 65 jobs, will occupy about a quarter of the ‘gateway’ two-storey building.

The rest of the 17,000 sq ft development could be split between different businesses and potentially provide a further 100 jobs for townsfolk.

Nottingham-based developers BSP Holdings have asked Erewash Borough Council to allow the multi-million pound development to house businesses including a gym, car showroom, health clinic or amusement centre.

David Singh, from the firm, was behind bringing KFC – and 50 jobs – to the site, previously occupied by Ilkeston Contractors, exactly a year ago.

He said work on an adjacent scheme to build a new auto-centre for another national company was already progressing.

“This scheme will be a catalyst for change and we expect the combined site as a whole to become a major gateway into the town with all the interest that this naturally develops,” he told the Advertiser.

He said he hopes to be able to confirm details on the next phase soon.

Cllr Frank Phillips, who spoke out against the KFC development in his ward at a planning meeting in 2010, this time said he was ‘fairly happy’ with what was being proposed.

The Ilkeston Central councillor said: “It needs to be a significant building because it’s a gateway site to Ilkeston.

“I am happy the site is being used and any jobs in this economic climate are welcome.”